Bobby Gillespie’s ragtag bunch sounded fully revitalised on their last album ‘More Light’, which – like much of their best stuff – straddled scruffy rock anthems, baggy house, Stones-y blues revivalism and grubby electro. Get a first taste of the follow-up ‘Chaosmosis’ as they hit London tonight.

This manufactured trio from Japan combine the popular 'idol' style of J-pop with crushing heavy metal. The result: three cute teenage girls performing upbeat vocals and dance moves, interspersed with punishing riffs and drumming. It's just as bizarre as it sounds, but millions of YouTube viewers can't be wrong, right? Read our Babymetal interview.

This international eight-piece collective from London, led by the charismatic Eno Williams, whip up a storm of afrobeat, funk and disco. If you got deep into Melt Yourself Down's larger-than-life global grooves last year, make Ibibio Sound Machine your next obsession. Want more?Read: What's the deal with… Ibibio Sound Machine?

Okay, so we gave their new album ‘Drones’ a one-star review, but Muse’s epic live shows are rarely disappointing. They’re back in London next spring for some big live shows performed in the round, and you can count on something spectacular (robots? fireworks? holograms?) to accompany their mega prog riffs.

The man who wrote the themes for ‘Gladiator’, ‘The Lion King’, ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ and of course ’80s quiz show ‘Going for Gold’, Super Hans finally gets his chance next year to say ‘hello, Wembley’. Zimmy and his ensemble mingle orchestral, rock and electronic elements, and he’s second only to John Williams when it comes to crowd-pleasing, roof-raising film music, so count on all the old favourites. Personally we’re hoping to hear ‘Muppet Treasure Island’. Hans Zimmer and Clint Mansell: find out who’s the soundtrack supremo.

A cohort of afrofuturist avant-jazz genius Sun Ra for several decades, 91-year-old saxophonist Allen keeps his old friend’s space-age big band alive to the present day. The current Arkestra sound is more like a traditional large jazz ensemble, but still packs a freaky, freewheeling punch with classics such as ‘Space Is the Place’.

US soul-jazz singer Porter has had critics, fans and musicians raving thanks to his stunning Grammy-nominated debut ‘Water’, and he’s the real deal live too. He returns to London following the release of his third album, ‘Liquid Spirit’, combiining the deep soulfulness of John Lucien, the hipness of Kurt Elling and the streetwise lyrical style of Gil Scott-Heron in his prime and bringing an earthy emotional power to all that he sings. Read our Gregory Porter interview.

More London gigs in 2016

When it comes to live music in London, it’s wise to plan ahead. The most popular London gigs sell out months in advance. Here’s our round-up of the best London live shows in 2016, to help you discover the best new music and book tickets to the hottest concerts before everyone else does.